Mike Michener Leads American Sheep Industry as Executive Director

Veteran Leader Joins ASI To Strengthen Markets and Producer Support

Bonnie Johnson
April 07, 2026
Media Article

Mike Michener is named Executive Director of ASI, bringing strong leadership experience to support sheep producers, improve markets, and guide the industry toward growth and stability.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) appoints Mike Michener as its new Executive Director. He brings over 35 years of experience in agriculture, food systems, and public policy. His leadership is expected to help the organization grow stronger and support sheep producers across the United States.

ASI President Ben Lehfeldt shared his thoughts on this new leadership. "We are excited to announce the hiring of Mike Michener as our new executive director," he said. "Peter Orwick helped guide our organization for many years and left us in a great place financially to really build on our organization's commitment to our producers. We are grateful for all the staff and executive board members that helped during this transition, and we are thrilled to move to this next chapter with Mike at the lead."

Michener recently worked as a Principal Consultant at Michener Strategic Advisory. In this role, he advised global organizations and U.S. programs on strategy and governance in agriculture and food systems. His past roles include leadership positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where he managed programs focused on agriculture, nutrition, and food security.

He also served as Minister Counselor to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome. There, he represented U.S. interests in global agriculture policy. Earlier in his career, he lead the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, helping improve agricultural trade and expand global markets.

Michener also served in the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and the Department of Homeland Security. He is a former member of the U.S. Army. Originally from Iowa, he maintains strong ties to farming through his family farm.

"I’m honored to join the American Sheep Industry Association and to work on behalf of sheep producers across the country," said Michener. "The industry has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with ASI's leadership, members, and partners to expand market opportunities, strengthen competitiveness, and advance priorities that support producers and rural communities."